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Welcome to Toronto, a place where everybody has space to express themselves.
North America’s fourth-largest city is also one of its most multicultural. Toronto’s character has been shaped by generations of immigrants, and this melting pot of communities has a shared love for the city’s freshwater beaches, sports teams and diverse food scene.
So much more than just a layover or quick city break, a trip to Toronto can include seeing landmark sights, scenic outdoor adventures and lots of incredible eating. There’s so much to see, do and experience, it’s a place you won’t want to be rushed. So, where to start…
Discover the best galleries, museums and nightlife in Toronto
With a population of around 3.3 million, Toronto is Canada’s most populous city, and its cultural diversity is reflected in the wealth of experiences on offer.
As well as world-class art galleries and museums, such as the spike-shaped Royal Ontario Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art, there are some quirkier, more leftfield must-sees. Casa Loma, for example, is an early 20th-century Gothic-style castle, where you’ll find an impressive collection of artworks and vintage cars, but also hidden tunnels and medieval-style battlements. Then there’s the Bata Shoe Museum, home to a 15,000-piece collection that includes a pair of Elton John’s platform boots as well as the Dalai Lama’s flip-flops.
Come night-time, there’s just as much variety on offer. You’ll find drag nights and Latin music at El Convento Rico, while the 9,000-square-foot ‘sonic experience’ venue CODA plays host to both big-name and underground dance and electronic DJs. You’ll also find plenty of live comedy and Broadway shows at the city’s theatres.
Join the fans at baseball and hockey games
Whether you’re into pucks, balls or just the exhilarating atmosphere of a stadium filled with excitable fans, Toronto’s got a game for you.
The Rogers Centre (which Torontonians still call by its original name, the SkyDome) is the place to see the Blue Jays, Canada’s only Major League Baseball team. It also has a 31-storey retractable roof to allow games to go ahead in (almost) all weather. Get yourself down to Steam Whistle Brewing’s tailgate parties to grab a smashburger and chat to some die-hard Blue Jays fans before a game.
You’re always safe from the rain at the Scotiabank Arena, where you can experience the intense devotion of the Maple Leafs’ hockey fans or join the cacophony of chants at a Raptors basketball game. Whichever you choose, save space in your suitcase for a team jersey, cap or foam finger.
See the sights of Downtown Toronto and beyond
The 553m CN Tower was the world’s tallest freestanding tower from 1976 until 2007 and is still a beloved landmark in Toronto. While you’ll be joining flocks of other tourists, taking the lift to the top floor is a fun way to get an unbeatable panorama of the city.
For incredible views of the city from Lake Ontario, take the ferry (which runs all year round) out to the Toronto Islands. Here, you can wander along the peaceful shoreline in search of your favourite vista. In spring, the skyline is often framed by brilliant blue skies, while autumn dusk brings a different kind of magic, with the city lights beginning to twinkle.
On Centre Island, there’s loads of family fun to be had at Centreville Theme Park, while on Hanlan’s Point, the most westerly of the Toronto Islands, Gibraltar Point Lighthouse is one of Toronto’s oldest buildings. The stone tower is said to be haunted by its 19th-century keeper John Paul Radelmüller, who is thought to have been murdered by British grenadiers, who were after his homebrew.
Enjoy Toronto’s foodie scene and eat around the world
Toronto’s kaleidoscope of cultures pays dividends to its food scene. Almost any cuisine you can think of is covered: grab a plate of pork and pineapple tacos at Mexican stalwart Itacate; savour pomegranate-glazed beef tenderloin with hummus at Lebanese restaurant Laylak, or settle in at super-swish Canoe atop TD Bank Tower for international dishes made with Canadian produce, such as albacore tuna with a saké beurre blanc.
Ardent foodies should prioritise a trip to the street food mecca that is the Kensington Market neighbourhood, where you try flavours from all around the globe. We love the octopus balls at Takoyaki6ix, momo dumplings from Tibet Cafe & Bar, and the boreka pastries from Moonbeam Coffee Company.
Toronto’s Distillery District is a charming enclave of pedestrianised cobbled streets and 19th-century buildings, which now house some of the city’s coolest restaurants, bars, shops, art galleries and boutiques. It sparkles just that bit more in winter, when the Distillery Winter Village opens and the area is overtaken with lights, Christmas trees and festive market stalls. Go for the live carol performances, stay for the toasted marshmallow-topped hot chocolate.
Book your trip to Toronto with Trailfinders, the UK’s leading specialist in holidays to Canada*. Visit trailfinders.com, call 020 7795 4576 or visit your local Trailfinders travel centre for more information
*Trailfinders is the UK’s number one leisure tour operator by volume of holidays to Canada, as confirmed by Destination Canada in September 2026